​​​A few years ago at the Midwest Education Technology Conference (METC) in St. Louis, I (that's Lorri) had the opportunity to listen to Jamie Casap. He proposed a philosophy that he would go on to share with many others including First Lady Michelle Obama.

This philosophy shaped my classroom and pedagogy. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I began implementing what would become Problem Based Learning. As a veteran middle school computer teacher, I wanted to reach beyond teaching spreadsheets and presentations or even coding, and consider how we could use those tools to solve relevant problems. My favorite lessons became those that were real life and connected my kids to others.

As KRESA’s new Instructional Technologist, I continue to ponder the application of this paradigm. How can I help teachers solve “problems” in their classrooms? Engagement? Differentiation? Acquisition of 21st Century learning skills? I love working with teachers to create technology enhanced lessons.

My mind has been blown with the amount of resources available at the REMC12W Innovation Center. I have already learned so much about tools I only previously dreamed of using. It only took me five (6? 7?) tries to get the hang of the 3D Printer. Some days I still smile and nod at all the new info I’m trying to acquire. But I remember the very hope I had for my kids in my classroom--Don’t Give Up! Part of problem solving is learning from mistakes and developing grit. At Kalamazoo Inspire 2016, Dr. Damon Arnold illustrated that we are like rubber bands. If left alone, we return to a natural state of relaxation. We have to keep stretching by taking risks. Then, as Tina added, “We fly!”

I’m looking forward to a great first year at Delton-Kellogg Schools and at REMC12W’s Innovation Center finding new ways to stretch and fly as an Instructional Technologist. (Gaiman quotation from Modcloth)